Friends of Petone Beach

Restoring the dune ecosystem at Petone foreshore.

Where can you find this group?

Friends of Petone Beach have been restoring Petone dunes since 2006.

We plant fore-dune sand binding species Spinifex and pingao, as well as some native back dune plants like Phormium cookianum, Coprosma solandri and knobby club rush. Other work includes ongoing maintenance, weeding and releasing.

What has the group done?

Friends of Petone Beach have been working in front of the sea wall and have recently begun working at sites west of the wharf and at the east end of the beach. They hold several planting days throughout planting season (Autumn/Winter) and regular working bees to maintain the restoration site.

Scientific trials were set up at Petone Dunes in 2007 to study native dune plants in the back dunes and fore dunes at Petone by Dave and Michael Bergin from Environmental Restoration Ltd. Friends of Petone Beach help assess and monitor these scientific vegetation plots.

Current aims and activities

We're currently working on restoring dunes as a natural feature of the Petone Beach for:

Mitigating against potential rising sea level

Minimising storm surge damage

Mitigating against the next tsunami

Restoring native biodiversity

Reducing the amount of wind-blown sand to streets and properties next to the beach.

Friends of Petone Beach hold working bees on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month. Work includes planting, weeding and releasing. They meet at 9am, usually near the Petone wharf - look for the flag. The Eastenders group carry out beach cleaning and dune planting near Patrick St.